Achieve more, earn more, do more.
That’s the empowering mantra of The Women’s Experience, a dynamic yearlong leadership program launched in 2024 by the Parker Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s mission? To offer local women world-class leadership training without the need to commute to Denver or neighboring cities. Women graduate from the program with newfound relationships and heightened skills in confrontation and conflict, inclusion, change management, goal setting, resilience and sales, to name a few.
As a young mom determined to spend time with her growing family, Kara Massa started a business in her basement. It was so successful that she was able to be her own boss and move to a brick and mortar after five years. Today, she is passionate about helping other women achieve success in business because she has seen firsthand how it can be an avenue to pursue multiple dreams at once. One of the many ways she does that is through helping lead The Women’s Experience.
According to Kara, one of the program’s biggest strengths is the diversity of women it brings together. From budding entrepreneurs in their twenties to women in their late sixties, the program provides a multigenerational learning environment. Their experience ranges from mom and pop shops to corporate leadership, and their differences bring unity.
“It’s so fun to see these women become comfortable and vulnerable with each other as the year progresses. It’s like a sorority of women growing and learning together,” Kara says.
The CEO of the Chamber, T.J. Sullivan, is the mastermind behind the program. Thanks to his strong connections with female business leaders, he has been able to bring in high-caliber speakers for monthly luncheons. Looking ahead, the Chamber has big plans. Over the next few years, they hope the alumni of The Women’s Experience will grow into an influential leadership network in Parker and create more pathways to professional growth for future cohorts.
“It’s so fun to see these women become comfortable and vulnerable with each other as the year progresses."